Truth

We will always have differences of opinions. These differences are God’s design of diversity. How boring would life be if we all thought the same thing and were never challenged to expand our sphere of knowledge and understanding? Discussions on controversial topics are good to challenge us as we continue learning through life. What becomes a problem is how these dialogs are conducted. If the debate stays focused on the issue, then there is a mutual respect which might end in an adjustment of opinion. But if the conversation becomes personal, then the dialog falls apart.

In John 8, Jesus had a dialog with the Pharisees. The conversation is amicable at the beginning but slowly becomes more contentious to the point where the Pharisees personally slander Jesus. In verse 41 Jesus addresses the Pharisees’ actions; “You are doing the deeds of your father (satan).” Their response was a personal attack about Jesus’ heritage; “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father: God.” Jesus ignores that personal attack and continues addressing the real issue of their evil conduct. In verse 44, Jesus points out that their conduct is driven by satan:

“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Anytime Jesus encountered a confrontation He always addressed the issue, behavior, or conduct. He never slandered a person, He never criticized a person’s character, He never judged a person’s nationality, nor did He try to discredit a person’s reputation. Jesus always focused on the root issue – sin, which is generated by satan.

Those with evil motives in contrast will make personal attacks on their adversaries. Their focus is on the person and not the issue. Because they ignore the truth, their mode of operation is to deflect away from the truthful issue and focus on their opponent’s personal honor and reputation. Just like the Pharisees who in a theological discussion attacked the legitimacy of Jesus’ birth.

The righteous will focus on the truthful issue when those with evil motives will attack the character of a person. A litmus test for today when discerning the truth; evaluate how a position is being presented. If it is focused on the issue, it is more likely that the truth is being presented. If the argument is attacking someone’s character, it is likely coming from the father of lies (satan).

For us who follow the Lord, imitate Jesus by focusing on the issues, and not the person.

Proverbs 12:19:

The one who tells the truth will endure forever, but the one who lies will last only for a moment.